Greetings from Kenya

Dear Community Church Members,  Today Laury and I were finally able to visit the schools----3 of them, a private girl's school  and private primary school and a public elementary school with an enrollment of  832 students with 17 teachers.  In all schools we heard the cry for teachers!  All schools pleaded for better libraries.  It was interesting to observe the library in the girls' school:  it consisted of about a 9' by 9' room lined with shelves, with books stacked in an orderly fashion but sort of with spines stacked in all different directions---PACKED1  The girls would come to an outside window and be handed out the books from the window.  There was no room for the students to come inside.----The students in all schools were elated to see us, reaching out their hands to touch us and the din from their voices was unbelievable, yet so welcoming and joyous!  We had taken books to the schools  and I was able to read a story to each of the 3 rooms I visited.  It was such a heart-warming experience, and Laury and I would have loved to have spent an entire day just visiting the schools.  But, every day there is a schedule to be kept.  We completed the morning by visiting  Florence's home where Laury blessed her home with a deep,heartfelt prayer. ( Laury has a true gift of prayer )  We then quickly visited the passion fruit farm, where we also saw tea and coffee growing.  We arrived back at the University in time to lunch with Yema and Lahe.  Now it is Laury's turn to write.  I close with gratitude for all the prayer and support from our church at home.  Love,Marty

Greetings My Dear Family and Friends….Well into the 4 wheel car we go with Mr. Mwenda ( our driver ),but now our friend….  through, over and down, winding,dusty,RED roads of Meru,Kenya…and arrive at a school. We actually visited 3 today. As you know Marty and I read and shared books, smiles, love…and as usual received more than we brought! A teacher at one of the schools taught us that it is rude to refuse tea…and very rude not to finish it. I was grateful for her lesson and we all gulped our tea, as we were off to another school. I left promising prayers, pen pals ( help teachers) and not to forget them. I could have stayed there all long time, but thankful and grateful for a visit.  The children opened their hearts and souls to us…I will never forget them!  Seeing the Clinic yesterday was amazing for me…it's ministry and health  programs echo throughout this area and touch so many people. The way this country and area is fighting the battle against aids is a miracle. The manifestation God is evident in the commitment and loving care of the community and it's people…The church is the heartbeat of the community. This country is beautiful, the people are open and have a true gift of hospitality, and delicious tea…It reminds me of the tea I use to drink with my Scottish grammar Black…connections!  As we wound our way through the countryside I was surprised to see so many plants that we have at "The Growing Place" even my favorite fern! So far away... yet feel so close to you all! I love the dancing and singing we are often greeted with…..Ed and Tom are improving their dancing as we circle and sing…" we are ALL driving the train…the train to heaven"….Thanks you for your prayers and support…Lovingly, Laury

Dear Family and Friends:  Let me first apologize that Tom does not have a contribution to this posting.  He had written something before he left for an appointment with Yema and Lahi's pastor and somehow it has disappeared into cyberspace.  We can only hope that we can retrieve it, otherwise he will have to write again.

Marty and Laury have done a wonderful job of sharing our experiences today, so I wanted to share something from yesterday's service at the University chapel. The scripture for the week is from Mathew…"you are the salt of the earth…you are the light of the world."  The Preacher offered six principles of life to the students which I found to be quite simple, yet right on point:

• Lead others in the right direction.
• Get close to those you want to influence.
• Be a good Christian.
• Remember that your life is on display.
• Have strong beliefs and speak them boldly.
• Make everything you do for the glory of God.

So what does it mean that I remembered all of these, when I often have a hard time remembering what I ate yesterday? Perhaps they were not just meant for the students!  I continue to be amazed by what I see, hear and witness…in so many ways Kenya is so primitive, yet in others they seem years ahead of us.  Church is central to EVERYTHING they do…and keeps them balanced, joyful, thankful and incredibly inspirational to those of us who have this opportunity to touch their lives.

Tomorrow is a play day…I finally get to see my elephants…not to mention lions and tigers and….  Tomorrow night we separate and each spend the night with a host family, attend church with them on Sunday, share a meal and then reconvene to share our stories with each other…and [hopefully] with you.  Love to all, Ed

PS:  To Joan and Clyde:  I meant to mention yesterday that we successfully delivered the medical equipment to the Clinic…Yema was THRILLED!  We also gave her the quilt that you made and took pictures.  She was so exicited I think she wore it home, but I am not sure!